Gambling decision-makers to convene at Hard Rock

Mike Haridopolos, current executive vice president of The Stronach Group and former Florida Senate president, will deliver the Keynote Luncheon Address at the Eighth Florida Gaming Congress, Monday and Tuesday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.

Spectrum's press release continues:

"Like all the other attendees, I look forward to – and will certainly benefit from – hearing Mike’s views, and learning of his vision," said Michael Pollock, managing director of Spectrum Gaming Group, producers of the conference. "His years of leadership and accomplishment in public life have earned him a special place in Florida, and a special place at this event."

The Florida Gaming Congress features five panel discussions, including Destination Florida?, The Future of Racetrack Gaming, The View from Wall Street, Gaming and Public Policy, and Internet Gaming in the US.

Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrère & Denègre LLP is the presenting sponsor of the two-day event, which begins with an evening cocktail reception on Monday.

The Florida Gaming Congress, solely owned and produced by Spectrum Gaming Group (www.spectrumgaming.com), is a premier forum for professionals following the state's nearly $3 billion gaming industry.

To register visit www.floridagamingcongress.com.

The agenda:

7:30 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.Registration Open7:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.Expo Hall Open7:30 a.m. — 8:30 a.m.Continental Breakfast in Expo Hall8:30 a.m. — 8:40 a.m.WELCOME ADDRESS:Michael Pollock, Managing Director, Spectrum Gaming Group8:40 a.m. — 9:10 a.m.OPENING KEYNOTE:9:10 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.Destination Florida?Once again, prominent gaming and entertainment companies are lobbying to allow destination gaming resorts ... and once again fueling a high-profile political debate from Tallahassee to Miami. How realistic is their vision? What place, if any, do destination gaming resorts have in Florida? Will such large-scale properties harm the established casinos and racetracks? Learn from prospective operators, attorneys and other experts as they examine a topic that could reshape not only Florida's gaming landscape, but also its tourist industry.

MODERATOR:

Robert Jarvis, Professor of Law, Nova Southeastern University Law Center

10:30 a.m. — 11:20 a.m.The Future of Racetrack GamingFor Florida racino operators, racing and gaming have gone hand-in-hand with fighting since they first won statewide approval in 2004. Operators have fought for, among other things, lower taxes, table games, easing of smoking restrictions, and a competitive balance with current and prospective competitors. Operators are still fighting for competitive parity today as Florida's gaming landscape could undergo a dramatic change with the addition of destination gaming resorts and gaming at pari-mutuel facilities outside of South Florida.

11:20 a.m. — 12:10 p.m.Wall Street’s Focus on FloridaWith global gaming companies again setting their sights on South Florida and the prospect of racetrack gaming throughout the state, Wall Street gaming analysts and bankers are paying close attention to all potential developments in Florida. Some of Wall Street's top analysts and investment bankers will share their outlook for growth, discuss the pros and cons of destination gaming resorts, analyze the competitive balance gaming properties, opine on the investment climate ... and answer your questions.

1:40 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.Gaming and Public PolicyLottery, racinos, Native American casinos, horse racing, dog racing, jai alai, day cruises, Internet cafes... Florida has a smorgasbord of gambling like no other. But should it? Some legislators have called for cohesive public policy that would articulate — and regulate — the state's myriad forms of gambling. Of course, executing such a plan would be a politically Herculean effort due to the disparate constituencies — not to mention geographic challenges — involved. How should the state address problem-gambling policy against this expansion backdrop? A panel of public officials, business leaders and gaming operators try to sort through and chatter and determine what makes sense for the state.

3:00 p.m. — 3:50 p.m.Internet Gaming in the USMore than a year after the Department of Justice opinion, Internet gambling is finally returning to the US, where the technology (and most of the early players) originated. The question has evolved from “if?” to “how and when?” How will online gambling most likely roll out? Who will be the US operators? How should domestic land-based casinos prepare? What does it mean for Florida and tribal gaming? A panel of experts from across the industry will provide answers to these questions and offer practical insights for gaming executives interested in entering this new market.